Video captured by the certified Yoga Teacher Krutika Patel
‘Sirsa’ means ‘head’ and ‘asana’ means ‘posture’, so Sirsasana is an asana that is done on the head.
The Sirsasana or Headstand Pose is called the king of all asana. This is an advanced yoga pose that must be attempted under the guidance of a yoga instructor.
This asana is very popular due to its multiple health benefits. It speeds up blood circulation and returns blood to the heart and the brain, refreshing the cardiovascular & lymphatic systems & providing energizing effects for the whole body.
Formation of the posture:
- Sit in Vajrasana
- Lean your upper body forward & place your elbows on the floor
- Interlock your fingers ( Do not bring your palms together)
- Your elbows & interlocked your fingers must form an imaginary equilateral triangle
- Place the crown of your head exactly behind the palms
- Your palms must act as a support to the back of your head
- Find your balance & lift your knees off the floor
- Walk with your toes towards your head until your back straightens
- Bend the knees slightly, press the thighs against the abdomen and lower chest
- Bending the knees, gradually raise the calves in a controlled movement. Adjust the trunk slightly to counterbalance the load of the legs
- Use your core strength & Raise the knees to the vertical position
- Slowly straighten the knees and raise the calves. The whole body should be in one straight line with the feet relaxed.
Breathing Methodology:
- Inhale as your lift your legs up
- Inhale & exhale softly in final position & also for long hold in posture
- Exhale as you release from the posture
Benefits of Sirsana:
Physical Benefits:
- Stimulates the prostate and pituitary glands
- Improves digestion
- Strengthens the spinal muscles
- Strengthens the arms, legs, and abdomen
- Improves circulation
- Reduces varicose veins
Mental Benefits:
- Calms the mind
- Relieves mild stress and anxiety
Contraindications of Sirsasana:
Contraindications and Cautions:
- Heart conditions
- Neck or back injury
- Menstruation
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Pregnancy (during the first trimester)
- Glaucoma
Also Read: Benefits of Yoga
She tried to do what the Equinox yoga instructor said do and thank each thought for coming then let it float away, but the thoughts were not floating away and she couldn’t force them away, not even here, where she was supposed to be able to escape.